You are here

C86 -
Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders

Event Time:

Monday May 6, 2019 7:00 am to 9:00 am

Topic(s):

MS and CNS Inflammatory Disease

Director(s):

Dean Wingerchuk MD, FAAN

Description:

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) are a collection of clinical syndromes and neuroradiological accompaniments unified by their association with an autoantibody specific for the astrocytic water channel aquaporin-4 (AQP4). Recently revised diagnostic criteria for NMOSD, which include the classic transverse myelitis and optic neuritis attacks but also define additional brain, diencephalic, and brain stem syndromes, stratify the diagnosis based on whether AQP-IgG is detected or not. Faculty will present a state-of-the-art review of NMOSD pathogenesis, diagnosis, AQP4-IgG assay interpretation, and the role of emerging autoantibodies associated with NMOSD clinical phenotypes (such as MOG-IgG) and summarize a practical approach to treatment and prevention of attacks. Case presentations will be used to illustrate key learning points during lectures and in a case-based discussion session.

Completion Message:

Participants should be able to understand the clinical, neuroimaging, laboratory, and pathologic characteristics of NMOSD; compare the utility of AQP4-IgG assay methods; recognize clinical characteristics associated with MOG-IgG; be able to discuss elements of the newly revised NMOSD diagnostic criteria; and describe approaches to prevention and treatment of acute NMOSD attacks.

Dr. Weinshenker serves as a member of an adjudication committee for clinical trials in NMO being conducted by MedImmune and Alexion pharmaceutical companies. He is a consultant for Chugai Pharma regarding potential clinical trials for NMO. Dr Weinshenker receives royalties from RSR Ltd, Oxford University, Hospices Civil de Lyon, and MVZ Labor PD Dr. Volkmann und Kollegen GbR for a patent of NMO-IgG as a diagnostic test for NMO and related disorders.

Dean M. Wingerchuk, MD, FAAN

Dr. Wingerchuk has received personal compensation from MedImmune, Celgene, and Novartis. Dr. Wingerchuk has received personal compensation in an editorial capacity as co-Editor-in-Chief for The Neurologist. Dr. Wingerchuk has received research support from Alexion and TerumoBCT.